Charles Guiteau (song)

This entry refers to musical works inspired by or directly about Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin of U.S. President James A. Garfield in 1881. Several songs have been written about Guiteau, typically focusing on his motivations, his trial, and eventual execution. These songs often draw on the historical record and portray Guiteau as a complex figure, ranging from a deluded fanatic to a tragicomic character.

Notable examples include:

• Songs directly titled "Charles Guiteau," often folk songs or murder ballads. These songs usually recount the assassination, Guiteau's trial, and his execution, sometimes incorporating his own pronouncements or claims.

• Songs featured in the musical Assassins by Stephen Sondheim. Guiteau is a prominent character in the musical, and several songs involve him directly, portraying him as driven by a desperate desire for recognition and divine inspiration. "The Ballad of Guiteau" is one example, detailing his actions and eventual hanging.

The songs about Charles Guiteau vary in style and perspective, but they generally reflect the fascination with the motivations behind political assassination and the historical figure of Guiteau himself. They are often used to explore themes of mental instability, political extremism, and the pursuit of fame.